BISTECCA at 2.5 Million Per Person: I Urge You to Think Twice | SCBD Anti-Rip-off Guide

I excitedly rushed over to SCBD in shorts, only to be stopped at the entrance of BISTECCA and handed a pair of one-size-fits-all black "pajama pants"[1]... Yep, that was my surreal start at this top steakhouse in Jakarta. 🫠

Whenever someone asks me which steakhouse in Jakarta is good for a business dinner or an important date, BISTECCA is always a name that comes up. But honestly, for an average of 2.5 million Indonesian Rupiah per person[2], what you get might not be all pleasant surprises.

Ambiance on Point, Great for Photos

The moment you push the door open, you get that classic old-school New York steakhouse vibe. Dim lighting, dark wood paired with burgundy leather sofas—every corner screams "perfect for a date" and "closing a big deal"[3]. The tables are well-spaced, offering good privacy, so you can Nongkrong and gossip with friends without worrying about the next table overhearing. When it comes to ambiance, it's truly top-notch; any casual snapshot will turn out great.

The Steak is the Star, But Do the Supporting Roles Steal the Show?

We made good choices with the appetizers. The Slow-Cooked Octopus[4] was incredibly tender, and the tomato sauce was very appetizing. My friend's Foie Gras Ravioli[5] was also super silky, melting in your mouth. Mantap!

Then came the main event: the steak. We ordered the signature Bistecca a la Fiorentina[6], and the portion was massive—enough for three or four girls to share. The quality of the meat was indeed good, charred on the outside and tender on the inside, with the juices locked in. But to be honest, I've also had it when it was overcooked and a bit dry[7]. So, it's best to double-check with the waiter about your desired doneness when ordering.

On the other hand, the Caesar Salad[8] from the side dishes, prepared tableside, was a great touch of ceremony, and they were super generous with the Parmesan cheese. Highly recommended!

Some Real Talk (Here Come the Complaints)

Alright, enough with the praise, it's time for some "real talk."

First, and my biggest complaint: the restaurant allows smoking![9] The bar and dining areas are in the same space, so the smell of smoke wafts through the entire restaurant. Anjay! Eating a high-end steak while smelling secondhand smoke is a really jarring experience. Girls who are sensitive to smoke should really think twice.

Secondly, while the service is professional, it can sometimes feel a bit "cold" or like they're rushing to upsell expensive wine, lacking a bit of that chill vibe.

Tips to Avoid Pitfalls / Money-Saving Guide

Finally, for the girls who are planning to check this place out, here are the key points:

• Dress Code: On weekdays, guys must wear long pants, or you'll get to "enjoy" the same "restaurant-exclusive pants" I did. Shorts are allowed on weekends, but it's still best to dress Smart Casual.
• Reservations: You must make a reservation in advance![10] Especially on weekends and during peak dining hours, walking in is basically impossible.
• Parking: The parking garage downstairs is narrow and confusing, and the signs aren't clear. I recommend using the valet service or taking a taxi to save yourself the hassle.
• Ordering: The steak portions are large, so don't let your eyes be bigger than your stomach. Just order one or two appetizers to try; the main course is the real star. For those who don't eat steak, there are also pasta and seafood options available.